When considering your transportation choices in London, you’ll find the options can be overwhelming. Whether you live in the city or are just visiting this year, you’ll have the choice of the tube, bus, walking, driving or cycling for many of your journeys. Cycling is one of the best ways to navigate the city, and there are so many advantages of opting to see the city on two wheels. These are just a few of the reasons why we recommend using a bike to get around London.
Cost
While the tubes and buses in London are fantastic, the cost of these services soon adds up. Some travelcards cost upwards of £120 a month, and when purchased every month for a year, that’s a huge expense to add to your living costs. Driving is out of the question for most people who live in London, as the congestion charges and parking costs make this option ridiculously pricey. After purchasing a bike, you’ll just have minimal costs to pay for upkeep and equipment throughout the year. With bikes available in a wide range of styles and prices from Bikester, your bike purchase will pay for itself within just a few months.
Health
Along with walking, cycling is one of the best transportation modes for your health. If you are working a busy job in the city, you’ll find travelling by bike to work each day can help you get your daily workout. You might even think about cancelling your gym membership after you start cycling. There’s no better way to start your day than cycling outdoors, and this low impact workout is ideal for individuals of all fitness levels. Over time, cycling can reduce your blood pressure and your chance of heart disease, so this mode of commuting is an easy way to get an hour or so of exercise into your day.
Avoid the Rush Hour Madness
Riding a bus or the tube during rush hour can be extremely unpleasant in London. If you are enduring this twice a day every day, it can soon take a toll on your stress levels. Most people who live in London say that commuting is the worst part of the day, but with house prices in central London being so unaffordable, most individuals have no choice but to commute. Tubes and buses are cramped every morning and evening, and you are unlikely to get a seat even during a long journey. Save yourself the unpleasant and noisy experience of the rush hour, and arrive at work feeling energised and ready for the day ahead.
Convenient
A bike allows you to leave home and arrive at work according to your own timetable. You’ll no longer rely on public transport running to schedule. After riding the same route for a few days in a row, you’ll know exactly how much time you need to allow for your journey each day. You’ll find the cycle paths and routes are clearly marked throughout London, so you are rarely held up in delays with traffic. Having a bike with you at work is also handy if you need to pop out at lunch to go shopping or run errands.
Environment
While you’ll save money and enjoy the convenience of biking in London, you’ll also be making a significant impact on the environment by opting for this mode of transport. Road traffic is one of the top sources of pollution in London, and carbon dioxide emissions are a huge cause for concern. By switching to biking, you can help with the climate change crisis and play your part in making the world better for future generations.
There are so many great reasons for opting to cycle in London, with the money and health benefits being of personal interest to many cyclists. Of course, you’ll want to keep yourself safe throughout your journey, so ensure you familiarise yourself with your route before heading off to explore the city.
